Dhaka:Bangladeshi workers who have missed their scheduled flights to Saudi Arabia due to war-related disruptions will be allowed to enter the country even if their 'iqama' (residency and work permit) has expired, announced Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister stated that once the affected workers travel to Saudi Arabia, their entry will be automatically processed through the electronic system. He made these remarks while addressing a discussion at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in the capital's New Eskaton.
The minister urged recruiting agencies to collaborate with the government to achieve the target for overseas employment through coordinated efforts. He emphasized the need to reduce migration costs for workers, citing the discrepancy where workers are charged between Taka 700,000 to Taka 800,000, when it is possible to go abroad for Taka 300,000.
Furthermore, Ariful highlighted initiatives to introduce modern technology at the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) to simplify the process of sending workers abroad and expedite visa validity verification. He also mentioned plans to launch an open email service to facilitate the resolution of complaints.
State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Hoque and BNP Chairman's Adviser Dr Mohammad Enamul Haque Chowdhury participated in the event as special guests. Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah was also present, emphasizing the significant presence of Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia.
During the program, Nurul Hoque appealed to the Saudi government for special amnesty for Bangladeshi nationals imprisoned in Saudi Arabia during the upcoming Ramadan. He also expressed hope for resolving bilateral issues through joint discussions. The Saudi envoy reiterated the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh, hoping these would strengthen further.
The discussion also saw contributions from BMET Director General Jamil Ahmed, WEWB Director General Md Asaduzzaman, and BOESL Managing Director Mr Mohammad Rashedul Haque, with representatives of recruiting agencies calling for reforms in the recruitment processes.